Brazilian president strives to pass social security system reform bill despite difficulties

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer said Monday evening that in spite of great difficulties, he is working very hard to get the reform bill of the social security system approved by the end of the year.

"I hope the reform bill will be approved. We are working intensely for that. I see great interest among congressmen. The press is in favor and I believe that so is public opinion," said Temer.

Despite the president's optimistic statements, the government is having difficulties to vote on the social security system reform due to its controversial nature.

Some congressmen are worried about the repercussions of approving a reform which critics branded as an attack against workers near congressional elections.

The reform bill was first submitted to Congress a year ago and was approved in May by a special committee of the House. Since then, the reform has been on hold for submission to vote.

It has recently been modified in order to be more palatable to Congress. Still, Rodrigo Maia, the head of the House, has refused to submit the bill for congressional perusal before it has enough votes for approval.

As a constitutional amendment, the bill needs a majority of two thirds in both the House and the Senate to be approved. Enditem